University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association

MEET YOUR NEW DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT JENNIFER ZYCH HERRMANN ’00

JENNIFER ZYCH HERRMANN ’00

Jennifer Zych Herrmann ’00 will take on the role of Director of Alumni Engagement. The position combines alumni relations leadership with development work. Jen has an MA in educational policy and administration from UMN Twin Cities and a BA in music from UMN Morris. She is pursuing a PhD at UMN Twin Cities.

Wondering what Jen loves most about UMN Morris?Here’s what she had to say!

FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS:

I have had the privilege of seeing our campus grow and change for over two decades, so I’m tempted to tell you about all of the new places and updates that some of you haven’t seen—but I won’t spoil the surprise. You’ll have to come back and see for yourself! With so many lovely spaces on campus, it was hard to decide, but I have to say that the mall is my favorite place on campus. Every time I see students studying or playing on the bright green grass, or see the golden fall sunshine filter around the Student Center and through the trees, my heart is filled with the memories of people who were and are so important in my life and helped shape who I am today. It’s fun to see how today’s UMN Morris students have carried on past traditions while making their own. I get to hear their stories, and I’m so glad that they’re making their own lifelong memories and valuable connections, just as you and I did.

FAVORITE CAMPUS MEMORY:

I was the president of the UMN Morris Jazz Ensembles in the late 1990s and had so much fun and learned a lot about leadership from being a part of this organization and working with our director, Jim “Doc” Carlson. Our concerts were so high energy, whether we were playing in the Recital Hall, on tour in New Orleans, or performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. I have to think our uniform of black sweaters with the bright U-M-M Jazz logo, combined with the ’70s-style collared shirts we wore underneath, had a lot to do with it. Or maybe it was the camaraderie all of the musicians built at the “Social Skills Workshop” gettogethers we had after each concert.

WHY UMN MORRIS?

When I meet a new person and discover that they’re a University of Minnesota Morris alum, I often say, “I knew I liked you!” There’s just something about a UMN Morris grad! And it’s not just me who thinks so. I hear so many stories about the leadership, accomplishments, and meaningful impact of our alums, often ending with some statement like “ and of course they went to Morris” or “those Morris people are some of the smartest people I ever met.” It makes me smile. As people fortunate enough to be a part of the UMN Morris community, we have had the chance to learn and grow with talented, caring, and down-toearth students, faculty, and staff in an environment that allowed us to think deeply, create meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence to take on important challenges. Not everybody gets to be part of such an environment, but I think our world would be all the better if there were more UMN Morris graduates out there, leading the way. So don’t keep UMN Morris a secret—spread the word!

2016 Homecoming

ERIKA BAILEY-JOHNSON ’99, UMMAA PRESIDENT

Erika Bailey-Johnson ’99

Boozhoo, Morris campus community. I am honored to take on the role of UMMAA President for this next year. I bring up my UMN Morris experience at least once a week. The latest conversation was around pottery, and I reflected on my memorable experience in Kevin Flicker’s ceramics class. I also love sharing stories of working with my herpetology professor, Dr. Hoppe (yes, that was his name!). My advisor, Dr. Kuchenreuther, taught me so many life lessons that I am now sharing with my students (she’s still doing her magic at UMN Morris, by the way). The college experience is transformative, and it’s important for us all to reflect on our UMN Morris experiences throughout our lives. I have so much gratitude for the place and people; one that I can never fully reciprocate. I met my future husband at Morris (we’ll be married 22 years this June). I met forever-friends at Morris. I was able to be a college athlete at Morris. I learned time management and how to write a research paper and where to buy the world’s best grilled cheese. It would be fun to connect with you sometime in the next year to hear your memories and stories. Miigwech.

A note from Alumni Relations:

As this issue of Profile goes to press we find ourselves adjusting to a new normal. Due to COVID-19 precautions, we aren’t able to host some of our annual events, such as Jazz Fest and Commencement.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to you. As we all refocus on what truly matters, we are reminded of the strength of the University of Minnesota Morris community and the strong bond that more than 23,000 of us share. We wish you, your family, and your friends good health and look forward to the next time we can be together. Until then, don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be means of support or a resource for you.

For the most current event information, visit alumni.morris.umn.edu/opportunities-connect.

UMMAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Erika Bailey-Johnson ’99, president

Gina Brunko-Marquez ’94

Jon Dalager ’79, first vice president

Randy Koopman ’78

Jena Magee ’09

Dillon McBrady ’13, immediate past president

Ann Miller ’87

Elizabeth Thoma Torkelson ’11

Ryan Vettleson ’98

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Jennifer Zych Herrmann ’00 director of alumni engagement

Clori Carlsen principal office and administrative specialist

Gwen Rollofson ’99 executive office and administrative specialist

alumni@morris.umn.edu 320-589-6066 alumni.morris.umn.edu